Democracy? Council’s like North Korea, says Sykes

Howard Sykes

OLDHAM’S Liberal Democrat leader has accused Labour of running the council “like North Korea”.

Councillor Howard Sykes has attacked Labour for a proposal to radically alter the council constitution at today’s meeting — the first since the elections on May 7.

The proposal aims to reduce the number of questions allowed from opposition parties at full council meetings.

Councillor Sykes said: “These proposals are not good for local democracy in Oldham. In seeking to reduce the number of opportunities where members of the opposition can question the actions of Labour cabinet members, the public will be left with the impression that Labour is scared of debate.”

“In a vibrant and healthy democracy, we should be encouraging members of the opposition to have their say in the chamber and they should expect considered answers to their questions from the leader and cabinet members.”

Under the proposal, Councillor Sykes, as main opposition leader, would see a reduction in the number of questions he can ask from three to two at each full council meeting. Conservatives and UKIP will have one question between them.

Councillor Sykes added: “This is the sort of action you would expect in one-party states like North Korea, not in English local government.

Labour’s idea to take other questions on a “politically-balanced” basis also doesn’t sit well with Councillor Sykes.

“These proposals mean in effect that almost all of the time slot will be monopolised by Labour members with at most one or perhaps two questions available to members of the opposition.

“The smaller groups on the council will be lucky if they ever get to ask a question.”

Councillor Sykes has tabled amendments to retain the existing arrangements.

Council leader Jim McMahon responded: “I think the complaint is more about the Lib-Dems struggling to come to terms with a new political make-up, where there are other minority groups to accommodate.

“The sharing of questions was a suggestion put forward by the Conservative group leader and supported by the UKIP group leader, not by Labour. All this was discussed at a meeting. Councillor Sykes didn’t bother to turn up but his deputy was, and raised no objection. It’s a bit late for Councillor Sykes to throw a tantrum now.”